Maldives President Solih meets newly appointed President Draupadi Murmu

New Delhi, Aug 3: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the Republic of Maldives called on the President of India, Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday (Aug 02). President Murmu said that she was happy to receive a close friend of India and an eminent leader under whose leadership Maldives has emerged as a stable and prosperous nation.

 

 

 

 

President Draupadi Murmu said during President Soli's visit that Maldives is a major partner and close friend of India in the Indian Ocean Region. The peoples of the two countries have enjoyed strong cultural, economic and trade ties for centuries. Maldives has a special place in India's 'neighbourhood first policy'. President Murmu was happy to note that India's need-based financial and development assistance is supporting Maldives govt's development priorities.

 

 

 

 

 

The Indian President said that rapid expansion of India-Maldives development cooperation, defence and security initiatives, economic ties and people-to-people contact augurs well for India’s relationship with the govt and people of Maldives. She appreciated the courage and perseverance of the govt and people of Maldives during the COVID-19 outbreak. President Murmu was happy to note that the strong India-Maldives cooperation during the pandemic has been lauded as a model for the entire region.

 

The President noted that capacity building has emerged as a major pillar in the India-Maldives partnership. Draupadi Murmu also expressed confidence that MoUs signed during this visit will further strengthen capacity building initiatives in Maldives.